Lead don’t chase

Thursday

Apr 25, 2013 at 12:01 AMApr 25, 2013 at 1:51 PM

While playing the old fashion game of “Centipede” (one of my favorites from the ol’ days) I realized the simple truth of society: In order to prevent such terrible tragedies as Newtownor Boston, we must learn to lead by example, not arrive with all the greatness of Americans to pick up the pieces. By then it’s too late.

Dorothy Royal - Special to the Topsail Advertiser

While playing the old fashion game of “Centipede” (one of my favorites from the ol’ days) I realized the simple truth of society: In order to prevent such terrible tragedies as Newtownor Boston, we must learn to lead by example, not arrive with all the greatness of Americans to pick up the pieces. By then it’s too late.

By the time police are questioning witnesses, the crime has already been committed. When the doctors are performing surgery, it is to repair what damage has already been done.

Tragedy will never go away, that is part of life itself; but maybe, just maybe if we stop hiding behind excuses and take a stand, now or later, things might change for the better.

As I get older I realize that one of the downfalls of our society is that Individual accountability no longer applies. Holy Ridge Councilman Joe Edwards posted something on Facebook the other day and it is quite relevant. It stated, “When there’s a bombing, we blame the bomber. When there’s a drunk-driving accident, we blame the driver. Why, when there’s a shooting, do we blame the gun?” This is the simple truth. Sometimes putting the blame on an inanimate object makes some feel better, for others is a disgusting act of coward.

When the Senate vote was over and the assault rifle ban and the high capacity magazine ban failed to gain enough votes to move forward, some people let out a sigh of relief, knowing that finally enough folks will realize it is the PERSON not the product to be held accountable. Unfortunately, it may not be that simple.

I was notified this week of Senate bill that was trying to prioritize “gun show” background checks over “gun store” background checks. How would the NICS operator know where you were calling from? I am not too worried about this. North Carolinarequires background checks or permits on all transactions, business or private, though a private party cannot call in a background check themselves. Perhaps a hotline for those folks would alleviate some of the stress.

What does concern me is the daily shortage of ammo available to private citizens and gun shops. Why is 22 long rifle — the most affordable and generally the most accessible ammo — the hardest to find?

My answer: There must be an impending squirrel invasion, right?

The act of recreational shooting has practically diminished. Instructors are having a hard time obtaining the once plentiful .22 to give their classes to teach beginners — the most important class of all.

There are talks of folks stockpiling ammo on the expectation that our government and the people it is supposed to govern are no longer functioning in a win-win situation. When did the people and the government become two separate entities? Wasn’t the government formed FOR THE PEOPLE AND BY THE PEOPLE?

Remember knowledge is power; don’t let the fears of others become what defines you.

Dorothy Royal is the owner of Surf City Guns and Ammo, mother of two wonderful children, ringmaster of a herd of miniature ponies and an avid member of the Surf City Writers Group and Topsail Book Club.